Teva Lea Race
Teva Lea Race is Australia's longest-running extreme race.[1]
History
[edit]The first Lea Extreme Race was held in 2003 on short section on the Lea River.[2] The inaugural race and subsequent 10 races were organized by the Derwent Canoe Club and Hobart paddling identity Leigh Weighton. The race has developed a strong local following as a grass roots[3] and with international competition, creating an elite field[4]
The Lea Race, as it is colloquially known, celebrated its 10th anniversary on 6 October 2012[5]
The race course runs through many rapids, with the three largest drops being "First Drop", a clean 2 m waterfall, "Screaming Plastic Surgeons" having a total drop of 8 m, with the last drop being a 4 m waterfall and "Proctologist's Twist" being a slide followed by a 4 m drop into a slot[6]
Format
[edit]The race is undertaken in teams of two, with competitors providing safety for their teammate, on several of the larger drops additional safety personnel are placed.[7] The pair must complete the course at the same time, and the race time is determined from when the second paddler crosses the finish line.
On the following day a ball race is normally conducted on the course, which involves the team of two successfully pushing or guiding an inflatable fit ball down the river.
Background
[edit]The Derwent Canoe Clubs' Lea Extreme Race is Australia longest-running extreme race[8] The first race was run in 2003, and has been held each year since. The 2012 race was remarkable due to only having moderate water levels; however, in previous years the event has been run with higher water levels, with only the best paddlers being able complete the course successfully.
References
[edit]- ^ "Lea Xstream Kayak Race".
- ^ http://www.paddletasmania.canoe.org.au/default.asp?Page=15817 Paddle Tasmania River Guide
- ^ http://www.wernerpaddlesblog.com/blog/2008/11/werner-team-member-tanya-faux-reports-on-the-teva-lea-extreme-race.html 2008 Race Report by Tanya Faux
- ^ http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/375707/top-whitewater-kayakers-gather-for-tough-race/ The Advocate, 3 October 2012
- ^ "Kayak 4 Play".
- ^ "Lea". paddletasmania.canoe.org.au. Archived from the original on 27 October 2009.
- ^ Race Briefing by Leigh Weighton, 6 October 2012
- ^ "Lea Xstream Kayak Race".
See also
[edit]| Main disciplines | |
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| Olympics | |
| Other disciplines | |
| ICF championships |
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| Recreation | |
| Modern boats | |
| Traditional boats | |
| Techniques | |
| Equipment | |
| Venues | |
| Competitions | |
| Festivals | |
| Governing bodies | |
| Other organisations | |
| Media | |
